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Background: Shift work has been identified as a risk factor for several chronic health conditions including obesity. This study evaluated the impact of a low-calorie meal replacement (MR) as a dinner substitute on body composition and metabolic parameters in shift workers with overweight and obesity. Methods: An 8-week parallel, randomized controlled trial was conducted on overweight and obese shift workers in a large hospital. An intervention group (IG) (n = 25) was provided with a low-calorie MR shake (∼200 kcal) as a replacement for dinner, every day for 8 weeks, while the control group (CG) (n = 25) continued their habitual diet. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, biochemical, and lifestyle data were assessed at the first and last visits. Analyses were done per protocol (PP) and by intention to treat (ITT). Results: Over the study duration, both groups displayed moderate changes in anthropometric measurements and body composition, although these were not statistically significant according to the PP analysis. In the ITT analysis, apart from the hip circumference (HC), all other anthropometric parameters demonstrated significant group and time interactions, suggesting the advantageous effects of the meal replacement over the study period (P < 0.05). HDL and VLDL cholesterol measures showed significant main effects, influenced by both group (P = 0.031) and time (P = 0.050) respectively. The most pronounced dietary shift in the IG was a reduction in carbohydrate consumption and an increase in protein intake. Throughout the study, the meal replacement was well-tolerated, with no adverse events reported. Conclusions: The meal replacement dietary intervention appears to offer beneficial health effects over time. Extended research is crucial to understand the broader implications of meal replacements across diverse populations. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12622000231741. Registered on 09 February 2022. https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622000231741.aspx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: As periodontitis and dyslipidemia are diseases that occur with high incidence, the relationship between them has attracted much attention. Previous studies on these diseases have tended to focus on lipid parameters and periodontitis, we aimed to investigate the relationship between dyslipidemia and periodontitis. Materials and methods: A comprehensive search to identify the studies investigating the relationship between dyslipidemia and periodontitis was performed on PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library before the date of August, 2023. Studies were considered eligible if they contained data on abnormal blood lipid parameters and periodontitis. Studies that reported mean differences and 95% confidence intervals or odds ratios were used. Results: A total of 73 publications were included in the meta-analysis. Hyper total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are risk factors for periodontitis. Periodontal disease is a risk factor for high TG and low HDL levels. Three months after periodontal treatment, the levels of TC, TG and HDL were significantly improved, and statin treatment only improved gingival index (GI) levels compared to that of the dietary control. Conclusions: The findings reported here suggest that the mutual promotion of periodontitis and dyslipidemia can be confirmed. Non-surgical periodontal therapy may improve lipid abnormalities. It can't be demonstrated whether systematic application of statins have a better effect on the improvement in periodontal status in patients with dyslipidemia compared to that of the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: The current systematic review aimed to elucidate the effects of lipid variability on microvascular complication risk in diabetic patients. The lipid components studied were as follows: High-density lipoprotein (HDL), High-density lipoprotein (LDL), Triglyceride (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC), and Remnant Cholesterol (RC). Method: We carried out a systematic search in multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS, up to October 2nd, 2023. After omitting the duplicates, we screened the title and abstract of the studies. Next, we retrieved and reviewed the full text of the remaining articles and included the ones that met our inclusion criteria in the study. Result: In this research, we examined seven studies, comprising six cohort studies and one cross-sectional study. This research was conducted in Hong Kong, China, Japan, Taiwan, Finland, and Italy. The publication years of these articles ranged from 2012 to 2022, and the duration of each study ranged from 5 to 14.3 years. The study group consisted of patients with type 2 diabetes aged between 45 and 84 years, with a diabetes history of 7 to 12 years. These studies have demonstrated that higher levels of LDL, HDL, and TG variability can have adverse effects on microvascular complications, especially nephropathy and neuropathic complications. TG and LDL variability were associated with the development of albuminuria and GFR decline. Additionally, reducing HDL levels showed a protective effect against microalbuminuria. However, other studies did not reveal an apparent relationship between lipid variations and microvascular complications, such as retinopathy. Current research lacks geographic and demographic diversity. Increased HDL, TG, and RC variability have been associated with several microvascular difficulties. Still, the pathogenic mechanism is not entirely known, and understanding how lipid variability affects microvascular disorders may lead to novel treatments. Furthermore, the current body of this research is restricted in its coverage. This field's lack of thorough investigations required a more extensive study and comprehensive effort. Conclusion: The relationship between lipid variation (LDL, HDL, and TG) (adverse effects) on microvascular complications, especially nephropathy and neuropathic (and maybe not retinopathy), is proven. Physicians and health policymakers should be highly vigilant to lipid variation in a general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Achievement of lipid targets is crucial in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Data on lipid-control status among patients with T2DM in Bangladesh are scarce. This study was conducted to determine the lipid-control status among patients with T2DM who were on lipid-lowering drugs in the country. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the diabetes outpatient departments of several tertiary hospitals in Bangladesh from January 2022 to December 2022. Adults of both sexes diagnosed with T2DM for at least one year and were on the lipid-lowering drug(s) for a minimum of 3 months were included in the study by consecutive sampling. Patients' data were collected by face-to-face interviews, and blood samples were collected for fasting lipid profile. The lipid target was set at < 200 mg/dL for total cholesterol (TC), < 150 mg/dL for triglyceride (TG), < 100 mg/dL for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), > 40 mg/dL for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and < 160 mg/dL for non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C). Result: Three thousand sixty patients (age 44.7 ± 13.3 years, female 57%) with T2DM were evaluated. Overall, almost 81% of the study subjects achieved the LDL-C target. Besides, TC, TG, HDL-C, and non-HDL-C targets were achieved by 40.8, 21.6, 66.3, and 44.1% of patients, respectively. However, all the lipid parameters were under control in only 8.8% of patients. Almost 77.6% of the patients with ischemic heart disease, 81.5% of patients with stroke, and 65% of patients with CKD had LDL levels < 70 mg/dL. Only 10.03% achieved the HbA1c target of < 7%. 7.4% of patients achieved both HbA1c < 7% and LDL < 100 mg/dL and 5% achieved both HbA1c < 7% and LDL < 70 mg/dL. Advanced age (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96, 0.98, p < 0.001), longstanding T2DM (aOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39, 0.72, p < 0.001), and non-statin therapy (aOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.16, 0.37, p < 0.001) were negatively associated with lipid control (LDL < 100 mg/dL) while using oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin (aOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.45, 2.77, p < 0.001) and having cardiovascular comorbidity (aOR 3.92, 95% CI 3.00, 5.12, p < 0.001) were positively associated with lipid control. Conclusion: Though most patients with T2DM achieved their target LDL level, the prevalence of both glycemic and overall lipid control was low in our study despite lipid-lowering therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Several research has considered the potential correlation between periodontitis and serum lipids. However, serum lipid profiles correlation with periodontitis remains largely unknown. The investigation objective was to examine periodontitis correlation with serum lipid levels using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: The study employed a bidirectional MR analysis with two samples, utilizing a freely accessible genome-wide association study (GWAS). Furthermore, the primary analysis employed the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. To determine whether the lipid profiles were associated with periodontitis, a variety of sensitivity analyses (including MR-Egger regression, MR-PRESSO, and weighted median), as well as multivariable MR, were employed. Results: MR analysis performed by IVW did not reveal any relationship between periodontitis and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), or total cholesterol (TC). It was also found that LDL, HDL, TG, and TC were not associated to periodontitis. Furthermore, the MR estimations exhibited consistency with other MR sensitivity and multivariate MR (MVMR) analyses. These results show that the correlation between serum lipid levels and periodontitis could not be established. Conclusion: The finding indicates a negligible link between periodontitis and serum lipid levels were identified, despite previous observational studies reporting a link between periodontitis and serum lipid levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Many studies have investigated the impact of precocious puberty on cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes and the association between lipid profile levels and precocious puberty. However, the results have been inconsistent. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate whether triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL)and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were altered in girls with precocious puberty compared with healthy controls. Methods: References published before June 2022 in the EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched to identify eligible studies. A DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model was used to evaluate the overall standard mean difference (SMD) between precocious puberty and healthy controls. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were preformed, and publication bias was assessed. Results: A total of 14 studies featuring 1023 girls with precocious puberty and 806 healthy girls were selected for analysis. The meta-analysis showed that TG (SMD: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.55; P = 0.04), TC (SMD: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.59; P = 0.04), LDL (SMD: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.84; P = 0.02)levels were significantly elevated in girls with precocious puberty. HDL levels did not change significantly (SMD: -0.06; 95% CI: -0.12 to 0.61; P = 0.62). Subgroup analyses revealed that the heterogeneity in the association between lipid profile and precocious puberty in this meta-analysis may arise from disease type, region, sample size, chronological age, body mass index difference and drug usage. Conclusion: Lipid profile levels altered in girls with precocious puberty compared with healthy controls. In order to minimize the risk of CVD morbidity and mortality, early interventions were needed to prevent obesity in children and adolescents, especially those with precocious puberty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune hemorrhagic disease characterized by increased platelet destruction and impaired thrombopoiesis. The changes in platelet indices depend on the morphology and volume of platelets. Serum lipids have been found to affect platelet formation and activity in certain diseases, thus inducing the corresponding variation of platelet indices. Methods: Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed based on databases. The clinical data from 457 ITP patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed, including platelet indices, serum lipids, hemorrhages and therapeutic responses. Results: MR analysis showed low high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low apolipoprotein A-1, high triglyceride (TG) and high apolipoprotein B (ApoB) caused high platelet distribution width (PDW); high low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) increased mean platelet volume (MPV). In ITP, there were positive correlations between platelet count with TG, PDW with HDL-C and ApoB, and plateletcrit with TG and non-esterified fatty acid, and the correlation had gender differences. Bleeding scores were negatively correlated with cholesterol and LDL-C. LDL-C and homocysteine were risk factors for therapeutic responses. Conclusions: Serum lipids, especially cholesterol were tightly correlated with platelet indices, hemorrhage and therapeutic effects in ITP patients. These results provide clinical references for the management of serum lipids, and highlight the necessity to further explore the relationship between lipids and pathogenesis of ITP. Trial registration: No: NCT05095896, October 14, 2021, retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the lipid profiles in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods: The literature and relevant reviews were searched for published clinical studies on the relationship between JIA and blood lipid levels. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) was applied to evaluate the risk and methodological value of the included case‒control and cohort studies. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals were derived for all variables with adequate unprocessed data. This meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: In total, 16 studies were incorporated through screening. The analysis findings revealed that the levels of very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [SMD=-0.411, 95% CI (-0.774~-0.048), P = 0.026], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [SMD=-0.528, 95% CI (-0.976~-0.079), P = 0.021], and apolipoprotein A1 [SMD=-1.050, 95% CI (-1.452~-0.647), P = 0.000] in JIA patients were statistically lower than those observed in healthy controls. The level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [SMD = 0.202, 95% CI (0.003 ~ 0.400), P = 0.046] was significantly higher in JIA patients than in healthy controls. In JIA patients, body mass index [SMD=-0.189, 95% CI (-0.690 ~ 0.311), P = 0.459], high-density lipoprotein [SMD =-1.235, 95% CI (-2.845 ~ 0.374), P = 0.133), low-density lipoprotein [SMD = 0.616, 95% CI (-0.813 ~ 2.046), P = 0.398), triglycerides (SMD = 0.278, 95% CI (-0.182 ~ 0.738), P = 0.236], total cholesterol [SMD=-0.073, 95% CI (-0.438 ~ 0.293), P = 0.696] and apolipoprotein B levels [SMD = 0.226, 95% CI (-0.133 ~ 0.585), P = 0.217] were not significantly different from those in healthy controls. Conclusions: The outcomes of this meta-analysis suggest that dyslipidemia is common in JIA patients compared to healthy controls. Patients with JIA have a significantly increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease later in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension is among the risk factors of death globally. Novel antihypertensive peptides are alternative choices of antihypertensive assistance. This study aimed to discover novel antihypertensive peptides from green basil leaves. Two bioactive peptides with high angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (Asp-Leu-Ser-Ser-Ala-Pro; peptide 1) and antioxidant (Asp-Ser-Val-Ser-Ala-Ser-Pro; peptide 2) activities were gavaged to male Wistar rats induced with NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl-ester (L-NAME). L-NAME-treated rats (HT) had decreased body weights and levels of nitrite and nitrate, which are metabolites of nitric oxide. The levels of their glucose and liver function indicators increased as compared to normal rats. HT rats receiving antihypertensive drugs (HTD) showed higher low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein levels than HT rats. Peptide 1 seems to benefit the rat lipid profiles, liver functions, antioxidant, nitrite, nitrate, and angiotensin II peptide levels but not peptide 2. In conclusion, our findings indicate the antihypertensive potential related to vasodilation of peptides from green basil leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the stability of lipid profiles throughout childhood and evaluate their onset and dynamic. Materials and methods: Lipid markers were longitudinally measured in more than 1300 healthy children from the LIFE Child study (Germany) and categorized into normal, at-risk, or adverse. Year-to-year intra-person persistence of the categories during follow-ups was examined and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated. Results: We found strong positive correlations for TC, LDL-C and ApoB (r > 0.75, p < 0.001) from the age of four years. Correlations were lowest during the first two years of life. Most children with normal levels also had normal levels the following year. Children with at-risk levels showed a tendency towards normal levels at the follow-up visit. Adverse levels of TC, LDL-C, ApoB (all ages), and HDL-C (from age 15) persisted in more than half of the affected children. Age-dependent patterns of stability were most pronounced and similar for TC, LDL-C, and ApoB. Conclusions: Normal levels of serum lipids show high stability and adverse levels stabilized in early childhood for TC, LDL, and ApoB. At-risk and adverse levels of TC, LDL-C or ApoB may warrant further or repeated diagnostic measurements with regards to preventing CVD in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psoriasis (PSO) is a skin disorder with systemic inflammation and high coronary artery disease risk. A distinct lipid phenotype occurs in psoriasis, which is characterized by high plasma triglycerides (TGs) with typically normal or even low LDL-C. The extent to which cholesterol on LDL subfractions, such as small dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C), are associated with vulnerable coronary plaque characteristics in PSO remains elusive. Methods: A recently developed equation for estimating sdLDL-C from the standard lipid panel was utilized in a PSO cohort (n = 200) with 4-year follow-up of 75 subjects. Coronary plaque burden was assessed by quantitative coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Multivariate regression analyses were used for establishing associations and prognostic value of estimated sdLDL-C. Results: Estimated sdLDL-C was positively associated with non-calcified burden (NCB) and fibro-fatty burden (FFB), which remained significant after multivariate adjustment for NCB (β = 0.37; P = 0.050) and LDL-C adjustment for FFB (β = 0.29; P < 0.0001). Of note, total LDL-C calculated by the Friedewald equation was not able to capture these associations in the study cohort. Moreover, in the regression modelling estimated sdLDL-C was significantly predicting necrotic burden progression over 4 years follow-up (P = 0.015), whereas LDL-C did not. Finally, small LDL particles (S-LDLP) and small HDL particles (S-HDLP), along with large and medium TG-rich lipoproteins (TRLPs) had the most significant positive correlation with estimated sdLDL-C. Conclusions: Estimated sdLDL-C has a stronger association than LDL-C with high-risk features of coronary atherosclerotic plaques in psoriasis patients. Clinical trial registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifiers: NCT01778569 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dyslipidemia is considered as a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Yet various trials with wide ranges of doses and durations have reported contradictory results. We undertook this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine whether omega-3 supplementation can affect lipid profile in children and adolescents. Methods: Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched up to March 2021. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect method. Effect size was expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 index. In order to identification of potential sources of heterogeneity, predefined subgroup and meta-regression analysis was conducted. Results: A total of 14 RCTs with 15 data sets were included. Based on the combination of effect sizes, there was a significant reduction in TG levels (WMD: -15.71 mg/dl, 95% CI: -25.76 to -5.65, P=0.002), with remarkable heterogeneity (I2=88.3%, P<0.001). However, subgroup analysis revealed that omega-3 supplementation significantly decreased TG only in studies conducted on participants ≤13 years old (WMD=-25.09, 95% CI: -43.29 to -6.90, P=0.007), (I2=84.6%, P<0.001) and those with hypertriglyceridemia (WMD=-28.26, 95% CI: -39.12 to -17.41, P<0.001), (I2=0.0%, P=0.934). Omega-3 supplementation had no significant effect on total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL levels. Also, results of nonlinear analysis showed significant effect of treatment duration on HDL status (Pnon-linearity=0.047). Conclusion: Omega-3 supplementation may significantly reduce TG levels in younger children and those with hypertriglyceridemia. Also, based on the HDL-related results, clinical trials with longer duration of intervention are recommended in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the prevalence and clinical metabolic characteristics of lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in an elderly Chinese population and assessed the relevance of lipid markers and genetic variation. All 5,338 community subjects underwent detailed clinical and laboratory examinations and were divided into three groups: lean (Body mass index (BMI) < 23 kg/m2, n = 2,012), overweight (BMI = 23–24.9 kg/m2, n = 1,354), and obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, n = 1,972). Single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected based on those reported in previous NAFLD or obesity genome-wide association studies. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes were calculated and statistically analyzed with Pearson's χ2 tests. One-way ANCOVA was used to test the association between positive SNPs and metabolic parameters in lean NAFLD individuals. Our results showed that the C allele frequency of rs2279026, the G allele of rs2279028, the C allele of rs780093, and the C allele frequency of rs1260326 were higher in obese NAFLD than in lean NAFLD (P < 0.05). In addition, we observed an association between the CC of rs1421085, TT of rs3751812, AA of rs8050136, and AA of rs9939609 genotypes in the FTO gene and low-density lipoprotein levels (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our findings provide a unique perspective on the prevalence, genetic characteristics, and metabolic profile of NAFLD in older lean individuals in China. This is the first study to examine the association between genetic variants in the FTO, TFAP2B and GCKR genes and NAFLD in a cohort of lean individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although potent lipid-lowering therapies are available, patients commonly fall short of recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and LDL-C goal attainment, as well as the prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Moreover, we characterized patients failing to meet recommended LDL-C goals. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis in a cohort of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Clinical FH was determined by the Dutch Clinical Lipid Network Score, and Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL (≈ 107 nmol/L) was considered elevated. Results: A total of 838 participants were included. Overall, the prevalence of CAD was 72%, and 62% received lipid-lowering treatment. The prevalence of clinical FH (probable and definite FH) was 4%, and 19% had elevated Lp(a) levels. With 35%, LDL-C goal attainment was generally poor. Among the participants with clinical FH, none reached their LDL-C target. Among patients with elevated Lp(a), LDL-C target achievement was only 28%. The prevalence and severity of CAD were higher in participants with clinical FH (86% prevalence) and elevated Lp(a) (80% prevalence). Conclusion: Most participants failed to meet their individual LDL-C goals according to the ESC 2016 and 2019 guidelines. In particular, high-risk patients with clinical FH or elevated Lp(a) rarely met their target for LDL-C. The identification of these patients and more intense treatment approaches are crucial for the improvement of CAD primary and secondary prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological and clinical evidence suggests that high-dose intake of omega 3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) have a favorable role in altering serum triglycerides (TG) and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) when combined with statins in hyperlipidemic patients. Their efficacy in altering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) particle size is yet to be established. Aim: This study evaluated the effects of supplementing 4 g/day Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on serum blood lipids, including small, dense LDL-C particle concentration, in hyperlipidemic patients receiving stable statin therapy. Methods: In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel group study, 44 patients on statin therapy for > 8 weeks with non-HDL-C concentrations above 130 mg/dL were randomized into two groups. For 8 weeks, together with their prescribed statin, the intervention group received 4 g/day EPA + DHA (3000 mg EPA + 1000 mg DHA in ethyl ester form) and the placebo group received 4 g/day olive oil (OO). Measurements of serum non-HDL-C, TG, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-C (including large - LDL I; intermediate - LDL II; and small - LDL III subclasses), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) concentration, were taken at baseline and post-intervention. Dietary intake was assessed with a weighed intake, 3-day food diary at week 4. Primary outcome measures were percent change in LDL III, non-HDL-C and LDL particle number. Results: At the end of treatment, the median percent change in serum LDL III concentration was significantly greater in the n-3 FA group plus atorvastatin compared to placebo (− 67.5% vs − 0%, respectively; P < 0.001). Supplementation with n-3 FA plus atorvastatin led to significant reductions in serum non-HDL-C (− 9.5% vs 4.7%, P < 0.01), TG (− 21.5% vs 6.2%, P < 0.001) and VLDL-C (− 36.9% vs 4.0%, P < 0.001) and TC (− 6.6% vs 2.1%, P < 0.001). Between the groups, no significant difference in percent change in the serum concentration of LDL-C, HDL-C, as well as in the LDL I and LDL II subclasses was observed. Conclusion: In this group of hyperlipidemic patients on a stable statin prescription, OM3 plus atorvastatin improved small dense LDL concentrations, non-HDL-C, VLDL-C and TG to a greater extent than atorvastatin alone. Further studies are warranted in this area. Trial registration: This trial was retrospectively registered on 23 May 2019 on ClinicalTrials.gov with ID: NCT03961763. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trifolium pratense (red clover) ethanolic extract (TPEE) has been used as a popular over-the-counter remedy for the management of menopausal symptoms. Prolonged consumption of herbal extract has been shown to regulate the composition of gut microbiota. This study was designed to elucidate the influence of TPEE on the gut microbiota composition in the ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Methods: OVX rats were treated with TPEE at 125, 250, 500 mg/kg/day, or controls (pomegranate extract, 500 mg/kg/day; estradiol, 25 μg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. Gut microbiota analysis was conducted by extracting the microbial DNA from fecal samples and microbiome taxonomic profiling was carried out by using next-generation sequencing. The levels of serum biomarkers were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The prediction of functional biomarker of microbiota was performed using PICRUSt to investigate the potential pathways associated with gut health and serum lipid profile regulation. To study the correlation between gut microbiota composition and serum lipid levels, Spearman's correlation coefficients were defined and analyzed. Additionally, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis was conducted to uncover additional physiologically active ingredients. Results: TPEE-treated OVX rats showed significant reduction in serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterols (TCHOL), and LDL/VLDL levels but increase in HDL level. The alteration in the pathways involve in metabolism was the most common among the other KEGG categories. Particularly, TPEE also significantly reduced the relative abundance of sequences read associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signalling pathway. TPEE intervention was seen to reduce the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio in the OVX rats, denoting a reduction in microbial dysbiosis in the OVX rats. Correlation analysis at the phylum level revealed that Bacteriodetes and Proteobacteria were strongly correlated with serum TG, TCHOL and HDL levels. At the species level, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum group was seen to positively correlate with serum HDL level and negatively correlated with serum AST, ALT, LDL/VLDL, TCHOL, and TG levels. Conclusions: TPEE treatment showed therapeutic benefits by improving the intestinal microbiota composition which strongly correlated with the serum lipid and cholesterol levels in the OVX rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anlotinib, a small molecule for multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibition, is the third or further line of defense for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Findings from an ALTER0303 phase III trial revealed that this drug confers significant survival benefits in patients. Although numerous inflammatory biomarkers have been shown to play vital roles in treatment, the clinical significance of blood lipid levels before treatment has not been evaluated. Here, this research aims to explore the relationship between blood lipids and efficacy of anlotinib, with a view of generating insights to guide future development of convenient and individualized treatment therapies. Methods: This study analyzed basal blood lipids levels, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL), among other variables before treatment, in 137 patients with advanced NSCLC who received anlotinib as third or further-line treatment at the Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, between July 2018 and December 2020. We determined the best cut off value for predicting treatment responses, generated survival curves using the Kaplan–Meier method, then applied univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to assess predictors of survival. Results: The entire study population recorded median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 4 (95% CI 3.142–4.858) and 8.3 (95% CI 6.843–9.757) months, respectively. Researchers observed statistically significant differences across subgroups, between blood lipid indexes with different efficacies, except in the HDL subgroup. The low disease control rate (DCR) was associated with significantly elevated TG, TC and LDL levels (P = 0.000). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that elevated TC and LDL levels were independently associated with poor PFS or OS (P ≤ 0.003). Then, we established a prediction model, and set high TC or high LDL as the risk factor, respectively. There were significant differences in PFS (p = 0.000) and OS (p = 0.012) between 0 and ≥ 1 scores. Conclusions: Prior to anlotinib therapy, TC and LDL levels, are independent prognostic indicators for patients with advanced NSCLC treated with this drug as a third or further-line treatment option. In addition, a risk score of 0 was attributed to a combination of low TC and low LDL, and these patients were exhibited excellent efficacies and survival rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lipid management is the first line of treatment for decreasing the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), and a variety of indicators are used to evaluate lipid management. This work analyses the differences in LDL-C and apoB for lipid management evaluation, as well as explores the feasibility of skin cholesterol as a marker that can be measured non-invasively for lipid management. Methods: The prospective study enrolled 121 patients who had been diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at the department of emergency medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of the USTC from May 2020 to January 2021, and the patients were grouped into Group I (n=53) and Group II (n=68) according to whether they had comorbid hyperlipidemia and/or diabetes mellitus. All patients were administered 10 mg/day of rosuvastatin and observed for 12 weeks. Lipid management was assessed on the basis of LDL-C and apoB, and linear correlation models were employed to assess the relationship between changes in these well accepted markers to that of changes in skin cholesterol. Results: Out of 121 patients with ACS, 53 patients (43.80 %) had combined hyperlipidemia and/or diabetes mellitus (Group I), while 68 patients (56.20 %) did not (Group II). Cardiovascular events occur at earlier ages in patients with CHD who are comorbid for hyperlipidemia and/or diabetes (P<0.05). LDL-C attainment rate is lower than apoB attainment rate with rosuvastatin therapy (P<0.05), which is mainly attributable to patients with low initial LDL-C. Skin cholesterol reduction correlated with LDL-C reduction. (r=0.501, P<0.001) and apoB reduction (r=0.538, P<0.001). Skin cholesterol reduction continued over all time points measured. Conclusions: Examination of changes in apoB levels give patients with low initial LDL-C more informative data on lipid management than LDL-C readings. In addition, non-invasive skin cholesterol measurements may have the potential to be used independently for lipid management evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies reported worsened lipid profiles in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) during direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sofosbuvir (SOF)-based DAAs on changes in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in HCV patients.Methods: A systematic review of articles published before 31 May 2021 was conducted by searching MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and CINAHL Plus. Eligible studies were those comparing SOF-based DAAs and non-SOF DAAs for HCV patients and providing numerical data for changes in LDL. Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies- of Interventions was used for assessing risk of bias, and meta-analysis was performed for changes in LDL.Results: Six studies comprising 1248 patients were included, 848 patients treated with SOF-based DAAs and 400 patients with non-SOF DAAs vs. SOF-based DAAs group had significantly greater increases in LDL from baseline to week 4 than non-SOF DAAs group (P = 0.001). However, changes in LDL from baseline to the end of treatment (P = 0.060), to post-treatment week 12 (P = 0.263), and to post-treatment week 24 (P = 0.319) did not significantly differ between the two groups. Further comparison of SOF/ledipasvir with asunaprevir/daclatasvir revealed a similar trend in changes in LDL.Conclusions: For HCV patients, SOF-based DAA regimens were associated with rapid and significant increases in LDL during the initial 4 weeks of treatment, and the changes did not sustain after the end of treatment. Potential mechanism might be related to the phosphoramidate side chain of SOF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between the Mediterranean diet (MED) or dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors is well-documented. Nevertheless, a consistent relationship with the Middle East population has yet to be known. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between DASH/MED and blood lipids in Iranian adults. Methods: Four thousand seven hundred forty participants, aged 35–70 years (mean: 50.0) participated in the Shahedieh cohort study in Yazd, Iran, were followed from 2016 until now. Participants provided dietary and blood lipid data through a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and blood samples were taken after a fasted state. We used binary logistic regression to examine the association between DASH/MED scores and blood lipids. Results: In the participants who ingested a DASH-like diet the third vs. the first tertile of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, and LDL/HDL (high-density lipoprotein) ratio reduced significantly (P < 0.01). While in the participants who ingested the MED-like diet the HDL level increased significantly(52.8 ± 12. 3 vs. 51.6 ± 11.6, P < 0.01). In Binary logistic regression, higher adherence to the DASH diet showed 19 % lower odds of high TC level (OR: 0.81; 95 %CI: 0.69–0.95) and 18 % lower odds of high LDL/HDL ratio (OR: 0.82; 95 %CI: 0.70–0.96). Besides, high adherence to the MED diet was associated with lower odds of LDL/HDL ratio (OR: 0.85; 95 %CI: 0.72–0.99). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that TC, TG, LDL, LDL/HDL ratio, and HDL improved in participants who ingested a DASH-like diet and the LDL/HDL ratio improved in participants who ingested MED-like diet and, subsequently they might have a protective effect on CVDs risk. Further epidemiological studies are needed to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple oral insulin-sensitizing agents, such as metformin, thiazolidinediones, inositols, and berberine, have been proven safe and efficacious in improving the endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive abnormalities seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), providing more options for healthcare providers and patients. These oral insulin sensitizers are more convenient, practical, and economic than agents that need to be injected. A comparison of the clinical effectiveness of the four different classes of oral insulin sensitizers in PCOS has not been explored, leading to clinical uncertainty about the optimal treatment pathway. The present study aims to compare the effects of oral insulin sensitizers on endocrine and metabolic profiles in women with PCOS. Methods: We identified randomized controlled trials for PCOS from a variety of databases, published from January 2005 to October 2020. Outcomes included changes in menstrual frequency, improvements in hyperandrogenism and glucolipid metabolism and adverse side effects. A random-effects network meta-analysis was performed. Results: Twenty-two trials comprising 1079 patients with PCOS were included in this study. Compared with metformin, treatment with myo-inositol + d-chiro-inositol was associated with a greater improvement in menstrual frequency (odds ratio 14.70 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.31–93.58]). Myo-inositol + d-chiro-inositol and metformin + thiazolidinediones combination therapies were superior to respective monotherapies in reducing total testosterone levels. Thiazolidinediones, metformin + thiazolidinediones, and myo-inositol + d-chiro-inositol were associated with a lower insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) compared with that in metformin alone (mean differences: − 0.72 [95% CI (− 1.11)–(− 0.34)] to − 0.89 [95% CI (− 1.460)–(− 0.32)]). Metformin + thiazolidinediones treatment was associated with lower triglyceride levels compared with that in metformin and thiazolidinediones monotherapy, while thiazolidinediones was superior to metformin in increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and decreasing fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and gastrointestinal adverse events. Conclusions: Ours is the first study to report that for women with PCOS, myo-inositol combined with d-chiro-inositol and metformin combined with thiazolidinediones appear superior to metformin alone in improving insulin resistance and decreasing total testosterone. Myo-inositol combined with d-chiro-inositol is particularly efficacious in menstrual recovery. Thiazolidinediones and metformin combined with thiazolidinediones improve lipid metabolism better than metformin alone. Trial registration PROSPERO CRD42020211524 Plain English summary: This study aimed to compare the effects of oral insulin sensitizers on endocrine and metabolic profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A random-effects network meta-analysis including 22 trials was conducted. For women with PCOS, myo-inositol combined with d-chiro-inositol and metformin combined with thiazolidinediones appear superior to metformin alone in improving insulin resistance and decreasing total testosterone level. Myo-inositol combined with d-chiro-inositol is particularly efficacious in menstrual recovery. Thiazolidinediones and metformin combined with thiazolidinediones improve lipid metabolism better than metformin alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recent studies have reported that HbA1c and lipid variability is useful for risk stratification in diabetes mellitus. The present study evaluated the predictive value of the baseline, subsequent mean of at least three measurements and variability of HbA1c and lipids for adverse outcomes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study consists of type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients who were prescribed insulin at outpatient clinics of Hong Kong public hospitals, from 1st January to 31st December 2009. Standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation were used to measure the variability of HbA1c, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were diabetes-related complications. Result: The study consists of 25,186 patients (mean age = 63.0, interquartile range [IQR] of age = 15.1 years, male = 50%). HbA1c and lipid value and variability were significant predictors of all-cause mortality. Higher HbA1c and lipid variability measures were associated with increased risks of neurological, ophthalmological and renal complications, as well as incident dementia, osteoporosis, peripheral vascular disease, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation and heart failure (p < 0.05). Significant association was found between hypoglycemic frequency (p < 0.0001), HbA1c (p < 0.0001) and lipid variability against baseline neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Conclusion: Raised variability in HbA1c and lipid parameters are associated with an elevated risk in both diabetic complications and all-cause mortality. The association between hypoglycemic frequency, baseline NLR, and both HbA1c and lipid variability implicate a role for inflammation in mediating adverse outcomes in diabetes, but this should be explored further in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Diabetes mellitus type two is one of the major cardiovascular risk factors. Treatment of diabetes can reduce this risk, but the treatment options differ a lot in their risk-reducing capabilities. We compared the impact of insulin degludec (IDeg-100) and insulin glargine U300 (IGlar-300) on cardiovascular risk parameters - glycaemic variability (GV), arterial stiffness and lipid parameters - in insulin naive patients with DMT2. Methods: To 23 individuals who previously had uncontrolled DMT2 on two or more oral antidiabetic drugs, IGlar-300 and IDeg-100 were applied for 12 weeks and then switched in a cross over design manner. Prior and after of each insulin phase, we analysed biochemical parameters,7-point SMBG profile over three days and arterial stiffness which was assessed indirectly by measuring the augmentation index (AIx) on the principles of applanation tonometry. Results: There were no significant differences between IGlar-300 and IDeg-100 regarding reduction of mean glucose values and coefficient of variation (CV). Both insulins insignificantly reduced AIx for standardised pulse of 75 beats/min and without differences between them. IGlar-300 and IDeg-100 reduced triglycerides and increased HDL with no significant difference between the two insulins. IGlar-300 increased the total cholesterol level and IDeg-100 decreased total cholesterol, but without statistically significant difference. IGlar-300 increased LDL level by 0.508 mmol/L and IDeg-100 decreased LDL by 0.217 mmol/L, with statistically significant difference (p = 0.0215). Conclusions: This study did not show significant difference between IGlar-300 and IDeg-100 regarding glycaemic parameters and augmentation index using the same dose of 0.2 IU/kg for both insulins, but it has revealed possible differences in impact on lipid profile. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04692415. Retrospectively registered on December 31th 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease in the Western world, and it's likely to parallel the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other components of metabolic syndrome. However, optimal treatment for NAFLD has not been established yet. Therefore, this study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of silymarin on fructose-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups; normal control group that consumed tap water, silymarin control group that consumed tap water and silymarin (400 mg/kg/day), fructose control group that consumed 20% fructose solution, treatment group that consumed 20% fructose solution and silymarin (200 mg/kg/day), and another treatment group that consumed 20% fructose solution and silymarin (400 mg/kg/day). Hepatic triglyceride, serum lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant level, morphological features, and histopathological changes were investigated. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey multiple comparison test. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. Results: This study showed that the fructose control group had a significantly high value in the stage of steatosis grade, hepatic triglyceride, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and hepatic malondialdehyde concentration as compared to the normal control. However, significantly low values of reduced glutathione and plasma total antioxidant capacity were found. The altered parameters due to fructose drastic effect were ameliorated by silymarin treatment. Conclusions: The fructose control group developed dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and mild steatosis that are the characteristics features of NAFLD. However, silymarin-treated groups showed amelioration in oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and steatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low-density lipoprotein to high density lipoprotein (LDL/HDL) cholesterol ratio has been reported to predict the risk of many metabolic diseases. However, the association between the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been established. Methods: A longitudinal cohort design was adopted in this study; 9767 non-obese subjects without NAFLD were included and analyzed. The subjects were grouped according to the quintile of LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio. The cumulative incidence of NAFLD and the independent effect of the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio on NAFLD during 5 years of follow-up were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional-hazards regression model. Results: During the 5-year follow-up period, 841 subjects were diagnosed with new-onset NAFLD, and the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year cumulative incidence rates of NAFLD were 1.16, 4.65, 8.33, 12.43, and 25.14%, respectively. In the multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional-hazards regression model, the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio was significantly associated with the risk for NAFLD (HR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.38–1.99, P trend< 0.001), especially among young people (HR: 3.96, 95% CI: 1.50–10.46, P interaction< 0.05). Additionally, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio was better than HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in predicting new-onset NAFLD. Conclusions: LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio is an independent predictor of NAFLD in Chinese non-obese people with normal lipids, and its predictive value is higher than that of other lipoproteins. In clinical practice, the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio can be used to identify people at high risk of NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with olipudase alfa, a recombinant human acid sphingomyelinase (rhASM), is being developed to treat patients with ASM deficiency (ASMD), commonly known as Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) types A or B. This study assessed the effect of ERT on lipid parameters and inflammatory markers.Methods: Serum and plasma samples from five adults with NPD type B (NPD-B) who received olipudase alfa ERT for 26 weeks were analysed. We also collected fasting blood samples from fifteen age- and sex-matched participants as reference and comparison group. We measured fasting lipid profile, apolipoproteins B48 and B100 (apoB48 and apoB100), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), proprotein convertase subtilisin/klexin type 9 (PCSK9) mass, oxidised low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α).Results: Patients with NPD-B, compared with age and sex matched reference group, had higher triglycerides, PCSK9, apoB48, oxLDL and TNF-α and lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apoA1. Treatment with ERT was associated with improved lipid parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), sdLDL-C, oxLDL and apoB100. Though there was an increase in apoA1, HDL-C was slightly reduced. TNF-α showed a reduction. ApoB100 decreased in parallel with a decrease in total serum PCSK9 mass after ERT.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that patients with NPD-B had a proatherogenic lipid profile and higher circulating TNF-α compared to reference group. There was an improvement in dyslipidaemia after olipudase alfa. It was possible that reductions in LDL-C and apoB100 were driven by reductions in TNF-α and PCSK9 following ERT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current research was to assess the relationship of the solute carrier family 44 member 4 (SLC44A4) rs577272, notch receptor 4 (NOTCH4) rs3134931 SNPs and serum lipid levels in the Han and Maonan ethnic groups. Methods: The genetic makeup of the SLC44A4 rs577272 and NOTCH4 rs3134931 SNPs in 2467 unrelated subjects (Han, 1254; Maonan,1213) was obtained by using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism technique, combined with gel electrophoresis, and confirmed by direct sequencing. Results: The genotype frequencies of SLC44A4 rs577272 and NOTCH4 rs3134931 SNPs were different between Han and Maonan populations (P < 0.05); respectively. The SLC44A4 rs577272 SNP was associated with total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in Maonan group. The NOTCH4 rs3134931 SNP was associated with triglyceride (TG) in Han; and TG and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in Maonan groups (P < 0.025–0.001). Stratified analysis according to gender showed that the SLC44A4 rs577272 SNP was associated with TC and HDL-C in Han and Maonan females; TC in Maonan males, meanwhile, the NOTCH4 rs3134931 SNP was associated with TG and HDL-C in Han males; TG in Han females; TG and LDL-C in Maonan males; and TG, HDL-C and LDL-C in Maonan females. Linkage disequilibrium analysis showed that the most common haplotype was rs577272G-rs3134931A (> 50%) in both Han and Maonan groups. The haplotype of rs577272G-rs3134931A was associated with TG and HDL-C in Han; and TC, TG and HDL-C in Maonan ethnic groups. Conclusions: These results suggest that the relationship among SLC44A4 rs577272, NOTCH4 rs3134931 SNPs and serum lipid parameters may vary depending on the gender and/or ethnicity/race in some populations. Haplotypes could explain more changes in serum lipid parameters than any single SNP alone particularly for TC, TG and HDL-C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary fatty acids are important dietary determinants of metabolic disorders in human. However, it is important to develop an index that considers not only the amount of dietary fatty acids but also the structure, fluidity and melting point of them. In the current study we investigated the association between a novel dietary lipophilic index (LI) with metabolic profile and dyslipidemia in a community based study in Tabriz-Iran. Methods: Dietary data were collected using a validated, 79-food item, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and dietary LI was calculated. Anthropometric variables were measured and metabolic profile including blood sugar, serum lipids and liver enzymes were assessed. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the adult treatment panel (ATP) III criteria. Results: The mean age of the participants was 42.53 ± 12.03 years and most of the participants were women. Mean of dietary LI was 34.99 ± 6.91. Higher dietary LI was associated with higher body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.17, P < 0.04), waist circumference (β = 0.18, P < 0.01) and systolic blood pressure (β = 0.27, P < 0.01). Also LI was increased with increasing waist circumference (0.001), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (0.001), and negatively associated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (0.001). Conclusion: The novel dietary LI was considered as a useful tool in prediction of cardio-metabolic risk factors including general and central obesity, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome in a population-based study in Iran. Further researches in other disease and populations could highlight the application of this index in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The biological pathways through which vitamin D is involved in the regulation of systemic inflammation remain largely unknown. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of vitamin D status on the relationship between lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in pregnant women. Design: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), hs-CRP, and indicators of lipid profiles (total cholesterol, TC; triglyceride, TG; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-C; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C), were measured in 2479 pregnant women during the second trimester. Potential confounding including maternal sociodemographic characteristics, perinatal health status, diet, and lifestyle was prospectively collected. Multiple regression models and cubic models were used to evaluate the associations. Results: There was a significant non-linear relationship between lipid profile (TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C) and hs-CRP (P < 0.05). Increased serum 25(OH)D was significantly associated with decreasing TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, and hs-CRP levels. Compared with medium levels of lipids group, pregnant women with higher levels of TC or TG have higher levels of hs-CRP, and pregnant women with lower levels of TC, HDL-C or LDL-C also have higher levels of hs-CRP in the vitamin D deficient group, and there was a significant correlation between low levels of TG and decreased hs-CRP (adjusted β for TG: -0.063, 95%CI: − 0.120,-0.007) in the non-vitamin D deficient group. Mediators that had appreciable shares of the associations between 25(OH)D and hs-CRP was TG (10.2% of the association; β = − 0.011; total indirect effect: 95% CI: − 0.019, − 0.002). The cubic model suggested that a steep increase in the adjusted regression coefficient of lipid with hs-CRP up to 50 nmol/L of 25(OH)D, and the highest adjusted regression coefficients were observed in pregnant women with 25(OH)D above 50 nmol/L. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that high levels of vitamin D during pregnancy may improve lipid profile levels and inhibit elevated hs-CRP induced by high lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The discordance of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratio with alterative lipid parameters may explain the inconsistent association of CIMT with the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the associations between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio discordance with alternative lipid parameters and elevated carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) risk in a large cohort in Beijing, China. Methods: In total, 13,612 adults who didn't have elevated CIMT at baseline and who participated in at least one follow-up of annual examination between 2009 and 2016 were included in this cohort study. A multivariable Cox regression model was utilized to evaluate the associations of discordance of the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio with TC, TGs, LDL-C and HDL-C with elevated CIMT risk. Results: During 37,999 person-years of follow-up, 2004 individuals (1274 men and 730 women) developed elevated CIMT. Among individuals with normal TC and TGs, 16.6 and 15.2% individuals had a discordantly high LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, respectively, and the risk of elevated CIMT increased by 1.54 (95% CI 1.33, 1.77) and 1.53 (95% CI 1.33, 1.76), respectively, comparing to individuals with a concordantly low LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. A high LDL-C/HDL-C ratio could significantly increase elevated CIMT risk regardless of discordance/concordance with LDL-C and HDL-C (P < 0.001). A low LDL-C/HDL-C ratio with discordantly normal HDL-C and high LDL-C (13.2% of individuals) had a 32% (HR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.11, 1.57) higher risk of elevated CIMT than concordantly low LDL-C and normal HDL-C. Sensitivity analysis by excluding CIMT developed in the first 2 years follow-up further confirmed the above results. Conclusions: A high LDL-C/HDL-C ratio could significantly increase elevated CIMT risk regardless of discordance/concordance with TC, TGs, LDL-C and HDL-C Even a low LDL-C/HDL-C ratio with discordantly high LDL-C and normal HDL-C could also significantly increase CIMT risk. Individuals should maintain both the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and LDL-C at normal levels to prevent elevated CIMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atherosclerosis (AS), which characterized with the accumulation of lipids on the vessel wall, is the pathological basis of many cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and seriously threatens human health. Resveratrol (RES) has been reported to be benefit for AS treatment. This research aimed to observe the effects of RES on AS induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and LPS in ApoE−/− mice and investigate the underlying mechanism. Methods: ApoE−/− mice were fed with HFD companied with LPS to induce AS and RES was administrated for 20 weeks. Splenic CD4+ T cells were cultured and treated with anti-CD3/CD28 together with LPS, and RES was added. Serum lipids and the atherosclerotic areas of aortas were detected. The activation of CD4+ T cells were investigated both in vivo and in vitro and the expression of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmt) in CD4+ T cells were measured. Results: In vivo, administration of RES prevented HFD and LPS induced dysfunction of serum lipids including TC (total cholesterol), TG (triglyceride), LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol) and HDL-C (high density lipoprotein cholesterol), ameliorated the thickened coronary artery wall and decreased the areas of atherosclerotic lesion on aortas. Besides, RES decreased the number of CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood, decreased the expression of CD25 and CD44, but not affected the expression of L-selectin (CD62L). In vitro, RES decreased the expression of Ki67, CD25 and CD44 in CD4+ T cells. Moreover, RES increased the secretion of IL-2, IL-10 and TGF-β1, decreased IL-6. In addition, RES decreased both the mRNA and protein level of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3b in CD4+ T cells. Conclusion: These results indicated that RES ameliorated AS induced by HFD companied with LPS in ApoE−/− mice, inhibited the proliferation and activation of CD4+ T cells and regulated the expression of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3b. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking is the most preventable cause of most chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dyslipidemia is also an important risk factor for CVD. Yet, research has provided contradicting findings regarding the association between smoking and blood lipids. This paper examines the relationship between dyslipidemia and smoking based on the results of a cross-sectional sample of a Kurdish population in western Iran.Methods: This population-based study was derived from the recruitment phase of Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD) cohort study. Logistic regression model adjusted by confounding variables was used to determine the relationship between smoking and blood lipid components. In addition, dose-response relationship between blood lipids and the number of smoked cigarettes was evaluated.Results: For the purpose of this study, 7586 participants were examined. The lifetime prevalence of smoking was 19.9%, and 11.8% were current smokers. The prevalence of dyslipidemia in current smokers (54.9%) was higher than former smokers (43.9%) and in turn former smokers higher than non-smokers (38.0%). Current smokers had greater risk of abnormal HDL cholesterol [OR (95% CI), 2.28(1.98 -2.62)] and triglyceride [OR (95% CI), 1.37(1.15 -1.67)] compared to non-smokers. There was no significant difference in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol between the two groups. A dose-response relationship was found between the number of cigarettes smoked and HDL-C and TG but no relationship was observed in terms of total cholesterol and LDL-C.Conclusions: As compared to non-smokers, current smokers and former smokers had abnormal HDL-C and triglyceride and abnormal total cholesterol and triglyceride, respectively. After quitting smoking, heavy smokers showed a more normal HDL-C and total cholesterol levels than the people who tended to smoke a lower number of cigarettes per day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gypenosides (Gyp) are the main ingredient of the Chinese medicine, Gynostemma pentaphyllum. They are widely used in Asia as a hepatoprotective agent. Here, we elucidated the mechanism of Gyp in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with a focus on farnesoid X receptor (FXR)-mediated bile acid and lipid metabolic pathways. Methods: NASH was induced in mice by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, while mice in the control group were given a normal diet. At the end of week 10, HFD-fed mice were randomly divided into HFD, HFD plus Gyp, and HFD plus obeticholic acid (OCA, FXR agonist) groups and were given the corresponding treatments for 4 weeks. Next, we analyzed the histopathological changes as well as the liver triglyceride (TG) level and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), TG, total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels as well as the bile acid profile. We carried out RT-PCR and western blotting to detect HFD-induced alterations in gene/protein expression related to bile acid and lipid metabolism. Results: The HFD group had histopathological signs of hepatic steatosis and vacuolar degeneration. The liver TG and serum ALT, AST, FBG, FINS, TC, and LDL-C levels as well as the total bile acid level were significantly higher in the HFD group than in the control group (P < 0.01). In addition, we observed significant changes in the expression of proteins involved in bile acid or lipid metabolism (P < 0.05). Upon treatment with Gyp or OCA, signs of hepatic steatosis and alterations in different biochemical parameters were significantly improved (P < 0.05). Further, HFD-induced alterations in the expression genes involved in bile acid and lipid metabolism, such as CYP7A1, BSEP, SREBP1, and FASN, were significantly alleviated. Conclusions: Gyp can improve liver lipid and bile acid metabolism in a mouse model of NASH, and these effects may be related to activation of the FXR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Different therapies have been suggested for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but changes in lifestyle and diet have been considered. Diet and dietary factors can be very effective in modifying the disease. The positive effects of probiotic and synbiotics supplementation on improving lipid profiles and anthropometric indices have been examined in various diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of synbiotics supplementation on lipid and anthropometric profiles in infertile women with PCOS. Methods: PCOS patients aged 19–37 years old were randomized to receive either synbiotics supplement (n = 50) or placebo (n = 49) for 12 weeks. Results: Consumption of synbiotics compared to the placebo, resulted in a significant decrease in Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) value (Change Mean Difference (CMD): 4.66, 95%CI: 0.20, 9.13) and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (CMD: 1.80, 95%CI: 0.34, 3.26). Although we failed to find a significant effect of synbiotics consumption on total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels. We did not find differences in anthropometric indices between groups. Conclusions: Overall, 12 weeks of synbiotics supplementation among PCOS women resulted in beneficial effects on LDL and HDL, although it is not yet clear how much our findings are clinically significant and more clinical studies with larger sample sizes are still needed. Trial registration: Iranian Registry of clinical Trial, IRCT.ir, ID: IRCT2014110515536N2. Registered on 19 December 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Existing data from several reports on the association between lipid profile and ovarian tumour (OT) suggests divergent conclusions. Our aim was to examine whether circulating lipid profile: total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) differed between cases and non-cases of OT.Methods: Electronic repositories; PUBMED, EMBASE and Cochrane library were explored through December 2019 to retrieve published articles for inclusion in the meta-analysis after quality assessment. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics, the effect of individual studies on the overall effect size was tested using sensitivity analysis and funnel plot was used to evaluate publication bias.Results: Twelve studies, involving 1767 OT cases and 229,167 non-cases of OT were included in this meta-analysis and I2 statistics ranged between 97 and 99%. Mean circulating TC (- 16.60 [- 32.43, - 0.77]mg/dL; P = 0.04) and HDL (- 0.25[- 0.43, - 0.08]mmol/L; P = 0.005) were significantly lower among OT cases compared to non-OT cases.Conclusion: Decreased TC and HDL profiles were observed among subjects with OT in this collection of reports. The implications of TC and HDL in tumour manifestations and growth need to be validated in a large multi-ethnic longitudinal cohort adjusting for relevant confounders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Qishen granules (QSG) has been applied to treat heart failure (HF) for decades. Our previous transcriptomics study has suggested that Qishen granules (QSG) could regulate the pathways of cardiac energy metabolism in HF, but the specific regulatory mechanism has not yet been clarified. This study was to investigate the potential mechanism of QSG in regulating myocardial fatty acid (FA) and glucose metabolism in a rat model of HF. Methods: The model of HF was induced by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Cardiac structure and function were assessed by cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiography. Level of glucose metabolism was non-invasively evaluated by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Blood lipid levels were determined by enzymatic analysis. The mitochondrial ultrastructure was observed with a transmission electron microscope. The critical proteins related to FA metabolism, glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function were measured by western blotting. The ANOVA followed by a Fisher's LSD test was used for within-group comparisons. Results: QSG ameliorated cardiac functions and attenuated myocardial remodeling in HF model. The levels of serum TC, TG and LDL-C were significantly reduced by QSG. The proteins mediating FA uptake, transportation into mitochondria and β-oxidation (FAT/CD36, CPT1A, ACADL, ACADM, ACAA2 and SCP2) as well as the upstreaming transcriptional regulators of FA metabolism (PPARα, RXRα, RXRβ and RXRγ) were up-regulated by QSG. As to glucose metabolism, QSG inhibited glycolytic activity by decreasing LDHA, while stimulated glucose oxidation by decreasing PDK4. Furthermore, QSG could facilitate tricarboxylic acid cycle, promote the transportation of ATP from mitochondria to cytoplasm and restore the mitochondrial function by increasing SUCLA2, CKMT2 and PGC-1α and decreasing UCP2 simultaneously. Conclusion: QSG improved myocardial energy metabolism through increasing FA metabolism,inhibiting uncoupling of glycolysis from glucose oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate the impact of integrating diabetes education teams in primary care on glycemic control, lipid, and blood-pressure management in type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: A historical cohort design was used to assess the integration of teams comprising nurse and dietitian educators in 11 Ontario primary-care sites, which delivered individualized self-management education. Of the 771 adult patients with A1C ≥ 7% recruited, 487 patients attended appointments with the diabetes teams, while the remaining 284 patients did not. The intervention's primary goal was to increase the proportion of patients with A1C ≤7%. Secondary goals were to reduce mean A1C, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol-high density lipoprotein, and diastolic and systolic blood pressure, as recommended by clinical-practice guidelines. Results: After 12 months, a higher proportion of intervention-group patients reached the target for A1C, compared with the control group. Mean A1C levels fell significantly among all patients, but the mean reduction was larger for the intervention group than the control group. Although more intervention-group patients reached targets for all clinical outcomes, the between-group differences were not statistically significant, except for A1C. Conclusions: Nurse and dietitian diabetes-education teams can have a clinically meaningful impact on patients' ability to meet recommended A1C targets. Given the study's historical cohort design, results are generalizable and applicable to day-to-day primary-care practice. Longer follow-up studies are needed to investigate whether the positive outcomes of the intervention are sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a global epidemic leads to multiple serious health complications, including nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is a serious kidney-related complication of type 1 or 2 diabetes that is prevalent in almost 40% of the people with diabetes. We examined whether folic acid and melatonin can reduce progression of nephropathy in rats of type 1 diabetes mellitus by controlling the level of oxidative stress, glucose, lipids, and cytokines. Methods: Forty-two male albino rats were distributed into six groups, (n = 7 per group). Five of the groups were induced with diabetes by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. After the induction of diabetes, the rats were treated with folic acid (100 mg/kg) and melatonin (10 mg/kg) separately and in combination daily for 6 weeks, whereas, the other diabetic group was treated with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). One of the diabetic groups served as a positive control. One-way ANOVA was used to compare those five subfields ability followed by LSD multiple comparisons. Results: The data indicated that diabetes significantly altered the body weight, lipids and kidney function. Diabetic rats exhibited a significant increase in plasma levels of urea, uric acid, creatinine, sodium, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6), cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In contrast, plasma total protein, potassium, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) decreased significantly in diabetic rats compared to the control rats. Moreover, levels of renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) were significantly increased while the levels of renal glutathione(GSH), superoxide dismutase(SOD), and catalase (CAT) were significantly decreased in diabetic rats comparison to those in the control rats. Hence, diabetic rats treated with folic acid and melatonin alone as well as in combination showed improvements with respect to the indices in addition to a significant recovery observed via histopathology when compared to the diabetic group. Conclusions: These results revealed that treatment with folic acid in combination with melatonin in diabetic rats was more effective than treatment with either of folic acid or melatonin alone to alleviate the symptoms of diabetic nephropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Premature thelarche (PT) is a benevolent ailment affecting young girls. Multiple factors are reported to correlate with this condition, but the mechanisms responsible for the onset of PT have not yet been fully investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of nutrient intake, insulin resistance and lipid profile with PT. Methods: Two hundred sixty-three girls with PT, and 222 healthy girls of similar age were enrolled into this study. Their demographics, Tanner stage of breast development, nutrient intake, insulin resistance and lipid profiles were compared. Results: Daily protein and fat intakes, insulin resistance parameters including serum insulin-like growth factor 1, fasting glucose to insulin ratio, quantitative insulin check index and homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance, as well as serum levels of triacylglycerol, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, were all significantly altered in PT patients. Daily intake of energy and carbohydrate, and serum level of high-density lipoprotein protein were statistically indistinguishable between PT patients and healthy controls. Conclusion: Chinese girls with PT are potentially insulin resistant, which warrants more clinical attention and further investigation to address the underlying etiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ᅟ: The present study comprised 17,096 Chinese hypertensive dyslipidemia patients who received lipid-lowering treatment for > 3 months in order to investigate blood pressure (BP) as well as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment rates in Chinese hypertensive dyslipidemia patients on antidyslipidemia drugs. The factors that interfered with BP, or BP and LDL-C goal attainment rates and antihypertensive treatment patterns, were analyzed. In total, 89.9% of the 17,096 hypertensive dyslipidemia patients received antihypertensive medications mainly consisting of a calcium channel blocker (CCB) (48.7%), an angiotensin receptor antagonist (ARB) (25.4%) and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) (15.1%). In cardiology departments, usage rates of β-blockers (19.2%) were unusually high compared to other departments (4.0–8.3%), whereas thiazide diuretics were prescribed at the lowest rate (0.3% vs 1.2–3.6%). The overall goal attainment rates for combined BP and LDL-C as well as BP or LDL-C targets were 22.9, 31.9 and 60.1%, respectively. The lowest BP, LDL-C and BP combined with LDL-C goal attainment rates were achieved in endocrine departments (19.9, 48.9 and 12.4%, respectively). Combination therapies showed no benefit particularly for BP goal achievement. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age < 65 years, alcohol consumption, diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28 kg/m2 and not achieving total cholesterol goals were independent predictors for achieving BP, LDL-C or combined BP and LDL-C goals. In summary, the BP and LDL-C goal achievement rates in Chinese dyslipidemia outpatients with hypertension were low, especially in endocrine departments. Combination therapies were not associated with improvement of the goal achievement rates. Trial registration: Clinical trial registration number NCT01732952 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dyslipidemia is one of the most frequently implicated risk factors for development of atherosclerosis. This study evaluated the efficacy of amla (Emblica officinalis) extract (composed of polyphenols, triterpenoids, oils etc. as found in the fresh wild amla fruit) in patients with dyslipidemia. Methods: A total of 98 dyslipidemic patients were enrolled and divided into amla and placebo groups. Amla extract (500 mg) or a matching placebo capsule was administered twice daily for 12 weeks to the respective group of patients. The patients were followed up for 12 weeks and efficacy of study medication was assessed by analyzing lipid profile. Other parameters evaluated were apolipoprotein B (Apo B), apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), homocysteine and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Results: In 12 weeks, the major lipids such as total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.0003), triglyceride (TG) (p = 0.0003), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.0064) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) (p = 0.0001) were significantly lower in amla group as compared to placebo group. Additionally, a 39% reduction in atherogenic index of the plasma (AIP) (p = 0.0177) was also noted in amla group. The ratio of Apo B to Apo A1 was reduced more (p = 0.0866) in the amla group as compared to the placebo. There was no significant change in CoQ10 level of amla (p = 0.2942) or placebo groups (p = 0.6744). Although there was a general trend of FBS reduction, the numbers of participants who may be classified as pre-diabetes and diabetes groups (FBS > 100 mg/dl) in the amla group were only 8. These results show that the amla extract used in the study is potentially a hypoglycaemic as well. However, this needs reconfirmation in a larger study. Conclusions: The Amla extract has shown significant potential in reducing TC and TG levels as well as lipid ratios, AIP and apoB/apo A-I in dyslipidemic persons and thus has scope to treat general as well as diabetic dyslipidemia. A single agent to reduce cholesterol as well as TG is rare. Cholesterol reduction is achieved without concomitant reduction of Co Q10, in contrast to what is observed with statins. Trial registration: Registered with Clinical Trials Registry- India at www.ctri.nic.in (Registration number: CTRI/2015/04/005682) on 8 April 2015 (retrospectively registered). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The GC haplotype of the vitamin D binding protein (encoded by the GC gene) might be a risk factor to the vitamin D (VD) nutritional status for many populations, while evidences from the Chinese Han population are sparse. We test the association between vitamin D binding protein genotypes and VD status as well as the metabolic parameters of glucose and lipids in a Han Chinese population. Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted at a health examination centre (registered in ClinicalTrials.gov as QLS2013), 2641 adults were included and grouped according to their plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations as VD deficient (VDD), insufficient (VDI), or sufficient (VDS). The rs7041 and rs4588 genotypes were analysed with a molecular beacon-based qPCR method using blood samples. Results: Plasma 25OHD concentrations were lower in the GC2/2, rs7041T/T, and rs4588A/A genotypes than the GC1f/1s, rs7041G/T, and rs4588C/C genotypes (P < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, the GC2 haplotype increased the risk of low VD status (P < 0.05) in both genders. More genotypic models revealed the negative contributions of rs4588A than rs7041T to low VD status (P < 0.05). The combined rates of VDD and VDI were 80.2% in males and 86.1% in females. Compared with VDI, VDS, or both, VDD showed higher plasma concentrations of fasting blood glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides in males (P < 0.05); however, no significant differences were found with regard to these parameters between the subgroups defined by the GC genotypes (P > 0.05). Conclusions: In a Han Chinese population, the GC2 haplotype or more exactly rs4588A is a risk factor for low VD status but is not associated with glucose and lipid metabolic disorders, which are inversely correlated with the circulating 25OHD concentration in males. Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered in January 2018 as NCT03406234 in the ClinicalTrials.gov online system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Controversial messages of childhood obesity emerge: Levelling off in terms of body mass index (BMI) is foiled by increases in abdominal obesity. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) may be used as a screening tool for abdominal obesity in children. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical and socio-environmental correlates of abdominal obesity in primary schoolchildren.Methods: Cross-sectional data from 753 children participating in baseline assessments of the outcome evaluation of a school-based prevention program were analysed. Abdominal obesity was defined as WHtR ≥0.5. According to German age and sex-specific BMI-percentiles, overweight (>90th percentile) and obesity (>97th percentile) were determined. Anthropometric and sonographic measurements, blood pressure and blood samples were taken by clinical staff in a standardized manner. Socio-environmental and lifestyle data were assessed via parental questionnaires. Differences between abdominally obese children and others, and correlations of WHtR with clinical data were tested. Socio-environmental correlates of abdominal obesity were explored in a logistic regression analysis.Results: At the time of the examination children were 7.57 ± 0.42 years old. Abdominal obesity was observed in 132 (17.5%) children. According to BMI-percentiles, 22.9% of these children were obese, 38.2% overweight, and 38.2% normal weight. Affected children more often used screen media and less often participated in club sports. Abdominal obesity was associated with higher blood pressure, lower HDL- and higher LDL-cholesterol. WHtR significantly correlated with intra-abdominal fat thickness (IAF). The logistic regression model revealed migration background (odds ratio (OR) 2.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.41, 3.19]), smoking during pregnancy (OR 2.30, 95% CI [1.37, 3.86]), parental obesity (OR 1.95, 95% CI [1.22, 3.10]) and higher educational level (OR 0.64, 95% CI [0.42, 0.98]) to be significantly associated with abdominal obesity in children.Conclusion: WHtR correlates strongly with IAF. Abdominal obesity in primary schoolchildren is associated with cardio-metabolic risk factors and also occurs in otherwise normal weight children. Against the background of rising numbers of abdominal obesity in children, targeted preventive measures are long overdue. The focus of such measures should be used on children with migration background and involve parents, especially those who are obese and those with lower educational levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accumulating evidence suggests that individual circulating saturated fatty acids (SFAs) are heterogeneous in their associations with cardio-metabolic diseases, but evidence about associations of SFAs with metabolic markers of different pathogenic pathways is limited. We aimed to examine the associations between plasma phospholipid SFAs and the metabolic markers of lipid, hepatic, glycaemic and inflammation pathways.Methods: We measured nine individual plasma phospholipid SFAs and derived three SFA groups (odd-chain: C15:0 + C17:0, even-chain: C14:0 + C16:0 + C18:0, and very-long-chain: C20:0 + C22:0 + C23:0 + C24:0) in individuals from the subcohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-InterAct case-cohort study across eight European countries. Using linear regression in 15,919 subcohort members, adjusted for potential confounders and corrected for multiple testing, we examined cross-sectional associations of SFAs with 13 metabolic markers. Multiplicative interactions of the three SFA groups with pre-specified factors, including body mass index (BMI) and alcohol consumption, were tested.Results: Higher levels of odd-chain SFA group were associated with lower levels of major lipids (total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB)) and hepatic markers (alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)). Higher even-chain SFA group levels were associated with higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio, triglycerides, ApoB, ApoB/A1 ratio, ALT, AST, GGT and CRP, and lower levels of HDL-C and ApoA1. Very-long-chain SFA group levels showed inverse associations with triglycerides, ApoA1 and GGT, and positive associations with TC, LDL-C, TC/HDL-C, ApoB and ApoB/A1. Associations were generally stronger at higher levels of BMI or alcohol consumption.Conclusions: Subtypes of SFAs are associated in a differential way with metabolic markers of lipid metabolism, liver function and chronic inflammation, suggesting that odd-chain SFAs are associated with lower metabolic risk and even-chain SFAs with adverse metabolic risk, whereas mixed findings were obtained for very-long-chain SFAs. The clinical and biochemical implications of these findings may vary by adiposity and alcohol intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) by treatment recommendations on prevention of atherosclerotic CVD remain to be evaluated. The objectives were to assess treatment gap for low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) according to guidelines, potential impact on CVD outcomes, and possible avoided economic costs, in post myocardial infarction (MI) patients, if target LDL-C levels of ≤1.8 mmol/L would be achieved.Methods: All patients registered in the Swedish Secondary Prevention after Heart Intensive care Admission register, with one-year post-MI follow-up during 2013 were selected. The REACH risk prediction and a calibrated model for recurrent cardiovascular events and death were used to estimate unadjusted risk prediction based on the REACH equation henceforth called base case, and calibrated CVD outcomes based on gender-specific risk factors. The predicted impact of the LDL-C reduction on the risk of CVD was based on the Cholesterol Treatment Trialists´ Collaboration findings.Results: A sample of n = 5904 patients (74% men) with a mean age of 64 years were included. Around 70% did not reach LDL-C target ≤1.8 mmol/L. Over a 10-year period, 820-2262 events were predicted to occur in those who did not reach target corresponding to 20% - 55% risk of CVD events. To achieve LDL-C target, the mean LDL-C had to be reduced by 0.73 mmol/L (29%). If this LDL-C reduction was achieved, 195-544 life years, 132-343 CVD events, and 7.9-20.9 million Swedish crowns (MSEK) of direct costs, and 19.3-51.0 MSEK of total costs would be avoided.Conclusion: Lowering of LDL cholesterol to achieve target levels according to guidelines for post-MI patients may lead to fewer cardiovascular events and avoidance of event costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyslipidemia is the risk of cardiovascular disease, and their relationship is clear. Lowering serum cholesterol can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. At present, the main treatment is taking medicine, however, drug treatment has its limitations. Exercise not only has a positive effect on individuals with dyslipidemia, but can also help improve lipids profile. This review is intending to provide information on the effects of exercise training on both tranditional lipids, for example, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and new lipids and lipoproteins such as non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and postprandial lipoprotein. The mechanisms of aerobic exercise on lipids and lipoproteins are also briefly described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current international guidelines on dyslipidemia are not concordant on various aspects of management. Also, there are no uniformly accepted Indian guidelines. We, therefore, performed a physician survey to understand lipid management practices in India. Methods: An anonymous survey questionnaire was administered to gauge physicians' self-reported behavior regarding lipid management aspects. Results were expressed in terms of percentages based on the number of responses obtained. Results: A total of 404 physicians participated in the survey. Eighty-eight percent respondents ordered a lipid profile before starting statin therapy, and 80% preferred to set lipid targets, though the tools used for calculating cardiovascular risk varied. Atorvastatin was preferred over rosuvastatin in primary prevention (72.9 vs. 32.4%), secondary prevention (54.6 vs. 46.7%), diabetic patients (56.3 vs. 40.3%) and post-ACS (78.3 vs. 34%). High-intensity statins were preferred by 73.7% of respondents in post-ACS cases. Fifty percent doctors chose not to use a statin in diabetic patients, irrespective of their LDL-C levels. The most preferred drug option for managing atherogenic dyslipidemia and moderate hypertriglyceridemia was statin-fibrate combination (55.1%) and fibrates (35.4%), respectively. Sixty-three percent doctors preferred to prescribe statins in patients with moderately high LDL-C and normal triglycerides, without CHD or CHD risk equivalents. Around 28% of doctors preferred not to use pharmacotherapy for managing isolated low HDL. Of the participants, 73% used fibrates in ≤20% of their dyslipidemic patients, with fenofibrate being the most preferred (90.5%). Ezetimibe was mainly used in patients with uncontrolled LDL-C despite statin therapy (52.4% respondents). Most preferred approaches to manage statin intolerance included reducing statin dose (39%) and stopping and restarting statins at a lower dose (34.5%). Fifty-two percent of doctors chose not to alter pre-existing therapy in patients who had LDL-C levels at goal but elevated non-HDL-C levels. Conclusion: This is the first survey in India that provides useful insights into Indian physicians' self-reported perspectives on managing dyslipidemia in routine clinical practice. Despite concordance with the currently available guidelines in certain aspects, there is incongruence in managing specific dyslipidemia problems. Further continuing medical education and the development of evidence-based, India-specific lipid guidelines can help reduce some of these differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some probiotics have hypocholesterolemic effects in animal studies, which are mediated, in part, by increases in fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Clinical trials of probiotics on lipids/lipoproteins are inconsistent.Objective: We examined the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12® (BB-12®) (3.16 × 109 CFUs/day) on lipids and lipoproteins and fecal excretion of SCFAs in healthy adults.Methods: In a randomized, partially blinded, 4-period, crossover study, 30 adults (11 men, 19 women) aged 18-40 years were randomly assigned to: 1) yogurt smoothie with no BB-12® (YS), 2) yogurt smoothie with BB-12® added pre-fermentation (PRE), 3) yogurt smoothie with BB-12® added post-fermentation (POST), 4) BB-12® containing capsule (CAP). We measured serum lipids/lipoproteins, glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and fecal SCFAs at baseline and after each treatment period.Results: Total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TGs) did not differ after the PRE, POST, and CAP periods versus the YS or between treatments. Compared to baseline, fecal acetate was significantly increased after the YS (Δ = 211.89 ± 75.87 μg/g, P = 0.007) and PRE (Δ = 204.98 ± 75.70 μg/g, P = 0.009) periods. The percent increase in fecal acetate was significantly greater after the YS versus the POST period (52.2 ± 13.2% vs. 24.5 ± 13.2%, P = 0.023). Fecal total SCFAs, propionate and butyrate did not differ between treatment periods. Fecal total SCFAs were negatively associated with TC (r = -0.22, P = 0.01), LDL-C (r = -0.24, P = 0.004), age (r = -0.33, P < 0.001), and waist circumference (r = -0.25, P = 0.003).Conclusions: BB-12® supplementation did not improve lipids, lipoproteins and total and individual fecal SCFAs. Fecal SCFAs were negatively associated with TC, LDL-C, age, and waist circumference.Trial Registration: This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01399996 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Statins are generally well-tolerated and serious side effects are infrequent, but some patients experience adverse events and reduce their statin dose or discontinue treatment altogether. Alirocumab is a highly specific, fully human monoclonal antibody to proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which can produce substantial and sustained reductions of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Methods: The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase 3 ODYSSEY NIPPON study will explore alirocumab 150 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) in 163 Japanese patients with hypercholesterolemia who are on the lowest-strength dose of atorvastatin (5 mg/day) or are receiving a non-statin lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) (fenofibrate, bezafibrate, ezetimibe, or diet therapy alone). Hypercholesterolemia is defined as LDL-C ≥ 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or non-familial hypercholesterolemia with a history of documented coronary heart disease, or ≥120 mg/dL (3.1 mmol/L) in patients with non-familial hypercholesterolemia classified as primary prevention category III (i.e. high-risk patients). During the 12-week double-blind treatment period, patients will be randomized (1:1:1) to receive alirocumab subcutaneously (SC) 150 mg Q4W alternating with placebo for alirocumab Q4W, or alirocumab 150 mg SC every 2 weeks (Q2W), or SC placebo Q2W. The primary efficacy endpoint is the percentage change in calculated LDL-C from baseline to week 12. The long-term safety and tolerability of alirocumab will also be investigated. Discussion: The ODYSSEY NIPPON study will provide insights into the efficacy and safety of alirocumab 150 mg Q4W or 150 mg Q2W among Japanese patients with hypercholesterolemia who are on the lowest-strength dose of atorvastatin, or are receiving a non-statin LLT (including diet therapy alone). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with hyperglycemia, inflammatory disorders and abnormal lipid profiles. Several functional foods have therapeutic potential to treat chronic diseases including diabetes. The therapeutic potential of pomegranate has been stated by multitudinous scientists. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of pomegranate juice and seed powder on the levels of plasma glucose and insulin, inflammatory biomarkers, lipid profiles, and health of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NAD) induced T2DM Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: Forty healthy male SD rats were induced to diabetes with a single dose intra-peritoneal administration of STZ (60 mg/kg b.w.) - NAD (120 mg/kg b.w.). Diabetic rats were orally administered with 1 mL of pomegranate fresh juice (PJ) or 100 mg pomegranate seed powder in 1 mL distilled water (PS), or 5 mg/kg b.w. of glibenclamide every day for 21 days. Rats in all groups were sacrificed on day 22. The obtained data was analyzed by SPSS software (v: 22) using One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The results showed that PJ and PS treatment had slight but non-significant reduction of plasma glucose concentration, and no impact on plasma insulin compared to diabetic control (DC) group. PJ lowered the plasma total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) significantly, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) non-significantly compared to DC group. In contrast, PS treatment significantly raised plasma TC, LDL, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels compared to the DC rats. Moreover, the administration of PJ and PS significantly reduced the levels of plasma inflammatory biomarkers, which were actively raised in diabetic rats. Only PJ treated group showed significant repairment and restoration signs in islets of Langerhans. Besides, PJ possessed preventative impact against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals almost 2.5 folds more than PS. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that active constituents with high antioxidant properties present in PJ are responsible for its anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects, likewise the restoration effect on the damaged islets of Langerhans in experimental rats. Hence, the pharmacological, biochemical, and histopathological profiles of PJ treated rats obviously indicated its helpful effects in amelioration of diabetes-associated complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]